Last updated: 14/05/08
Stirling launches first football scholarships

For the first time in the UK, a university is to join a professional club in offering football scholarships. A unique initiative between the University of Stirling and Falkirk FC will allow talented young footballers to combine their sport with a university degree.

Scholarship players will benefit from up to £2,500 a year throughout their degree, which will cover the cost of essential requirements including accommodation and equipment. The first four scholars will take up their place in September 2008, and to give added support and raise the standard of play, the university is investing in professional coaching staff, and is applying to join the East of Scotland League.

The scholarships will be called the Craig Gowans Football Scholarships in memory of a talented young Falkirk player who died in 2005 as a result of an accident.

Stephen Morrow, Head of the Department of Sports Studies, said: “This is an exciting and ambitious initiative for Scottish football. These scholarships are designed to help students with exceptional football ability to become better players, acquire coaching skills, and study for a university degree.”

“The University of Stirling is widely regarded as a national centre of sporting excellence, and has a long and distinguished record of supporting talented sportsmen and women. We start by recruiting winners and then encourage them to fulfil their potential.”

Falkirk FC operates an Academy programme with over 200 players training at the University of Stirling. The club has produced 15 youth internationals in the last three seasons, while a third of its first team squad are Academy graduates.